GREENVILLE, Pa.—Vice President for Student Life and Athletics Mike McKinney, Ed.D. ’02 announces the hiring of Jason Fautas as athletic director at Thiel College. Currently at Walsh University, his first day with the Tomcats will be September 12.
“Jason emerged from a very competitive pool of applicants, and I could not be happier to welcome him to the Thiel team,” said McKinney, who led the national search. “Among those expressing interest, he was the most impressive with a wealth of experience that includes student-athlete recruitment and retention, fundraising, coach and program development, compliance, and a demonstrated commitment to Title IX, diversity, inclusion, and gender equity. We welcome Jason and look forward to him advancing our athletic programs.”
Fautas has been with Walsh University since 2012, having served as Interim Vice President of Athletics/Athletic Director, Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Associate Director of Athletics, Assistant Director of Athletics/Director of Compliance, and Head Men's Lacrosse Coach.
“I would like to thank President Traverso, Vice President McKinney, and the search committee for entrusting me to lead the athletic department at Thiel College,” Fautas said. “The philosophy I bring to Thiel is the importance of educating students on life lessons and leadership through athletics. My focus will be to provide the best experience for our student-athletes so that they are able to excel in the classroom, community, athletics, and after graduation.”
Fautas has spent 15 years in intercollegiate athletics. After beginning his career coaching men’s lacrosse at his alma mater Hartwick College, he spent two seasons as the assistant men’s lacrosse coach at Lafayette College, competing at the NCAA Division I level in the Patriot League before moving to Walsh University.
He has been active with several conference committees and professional organizations, including the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Ethics and Eligibility and Championship committees, National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, National Association for Athletic Compliance and Business of Small College Athletics Leadership Academy.
A native of Holtsville, New York, Fautas earned a bachelor’s degree in management at Hartwick College and a master’s degree in sports leadership at Northeastern University.
Thiel College has 22 NCAA Division III sports. Fautas arrives as the Department of Athletics is nearing the completion of a renovation project for the Rissell-Beeghly Gym, which included new flooring on the court, bleachers, improved accessibility, modern lighting and an advanced heating and cooling system. During the summer, the Thiel College tennis courts were resurfaced and repainted and will be able to host a variety of activities including camps, clinics and community use.
Fautas and his wife, Jennifer, recently welcomed daughter, Lillian, to their family.
“We are looking forward as a family to being a part of Thiel College and the community and having Tomcat Pride in everything we do,” Fautas said.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.